Laneways by Ovolo

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Laneways by Ovolo almost by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it online after hearing from a mate who’d crashed there during the Australian Open. It’s tucked right on Little Bourke Street, smack in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, you know, that buzzing stretch where Chinatown spills out with dim sum joints and those hidden cocktail bars. I arrived on a drizzly afternoon in spring, dodging trams on Bourke Street, and honestly, finding the entrance felt like discovering a secret – it’s this unassuming doorway amid the graffiti-splashed laneways, but once you’re in, the vibe shifts to this cool, retro-modern setup with pops of color everywhere. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these laid-back locals who chatted about the best nearby pho spots while handing over my keycard – no fuss, no long lines, though I did notice parking’s a nightmare if you’re driving (better to ditch the car at Southern Cross Station and walk the five minutes). The lobby smells faintly of fresh coffee from their grab-and-go setup, and there’s this funky playlist humming in the background that sort of sets the tone for the whole stay.

What really hooked me was how the place nails that boutique feel without trying too hard – I mean, it’s a solid 4-star spot with an 8.6 rating for a reason, but it’s the little Ovolo perks that make it stand out. My room (I splurged on a king suite, though the standards looked plenty comfy too) had these massive windows overlooking the alley below, where you’d catch whiffs of sizzling street food from the vendors on Russell Street. The bed was plush, like sinking into a cloud after a day pounding the pavement to Hosier Lane for those iconic murals or popping into the Queen Victoria Market (just a 10-minute stroll north). And get this – free minibar stocked with local beers and snacks, no strings attached, which saved me a fortune on late-night munchies. The bathroom’s got that rain shower that actually works (none of that weak trickle you sometimes get in city hotels), and the Wi-Fi was speedy enough for streaming footy games without a hitch. Oh, and if you’re into fitness, their gym’s small but kitted out well – I squeezed in a quick session before breakfast, which is this complimentary spread of avo toast and flat whites that feels more like a trendy cafe than hotel grub. Sure, the walls are a tad thin, so you might hear the occasional tram rumble or rowdy pub-goers from Lonsdale Street filtering in at night, but earplugs sorted that out easy. It’s not flawless, but in a city like Melbourne where everything’s go-go-go, this place gives you a breather without skimping on the fun.

Look, if you’re heading to Melbourne – say, for the comedy festival in autumn or just to wander the Yarra River paths – Laneways by Ovolo is the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve got the inside track on the city. It’s steps from Federation Square for events, or you can duck into Degraves Street for coffee that rivals anything in Europe. I left thinking, yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat; it’s got that authentic laneway energy without the pretension, and at that price point, it’s a steal compared to the stuffy chains on Collins Street. Just pack light – the elevators are speedy, but the stairs add a bit of charm if you’re feeling energetic.

Rooms

• Downtown Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Downtown Studio Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Midtown One-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Uptown Two-Bedroom Suite with 4 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Memphis Penthouse with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Memphis Terrace with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Sam from Singapore (9/10)

  The location is amazing, near amazing restaurants, bars, train and tram stop. The staff is lovely! We got an upgrade at check in, and the service was amazing. Happy hour with free wine every evening is a sweet bonus!

• Genelle from Australia (8/10)

  Comfy bed.

• Connie from Australia (8/10)

  Location was good
  Staff were lovely

• Pilar from Australia (9/10)

  Really great stay! Absolutely amazing experience, lovely staff and great bed

• Melanie from Australia (9/10)

  Staff were so lovely and professional

• Elizabeth from Australia (9/10)

  Location and value for money. And lollies.

• Phoebe from United States (9/10)

  Loved the room. I hosted a small games night and I didn't want a tired interior. I expected something small because of the fun styling, but it was very generous and perfect for the night.

• Leah from Australia (9/10)

  Great location, fabulous staff and a cozy bed.

• Robyn from Australia (9/10)

  Spacious, great bed, location, staff, just loved it period!

• Fiona from Australia (8/10)

  Location
  Free use of coffee machine

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities